“I had the experience coming into last year’s final and it didn’t turn out too good,” Sharapova said.

“You have your bad moments in your career and your good moments. It’s been a good ride so far, but it’s not over yet.

“I really hope I can take advantage of the experience I have behind me.

“I’m glad I was able to play such good tennis and I hope that I can play the same kind of tennis in the final.”

The Russian will be chasing a third Grand Slam title after beating number three seed Jelena Jankovic 6-3 6-1 in the semi-finals yesterday.

She also demolished top seed Justine Henin and former world number one Lindsay Davenport in previous rounds.

Ivanovic had not dropped a set before her semi-final clash with Daniela Hantuchova but she made a disastrous start losing the opener to love.

The 2007 French Open runner-up then mustered a stirring comeback to take the next two sets 6-3 6-4 and set up a battle of tennis’ two glamour girls in the final.

Melbourne’s population contains a large number of people with Serbian heritage and they were out in force to support Ivanovic, having already seen her compatriot Jankovic fall to Sharapova.

“If it wasn’t for you guys I would be booking my flight home,” she told the crowd.

“Daniela’s a tough player and I knew I had to go for my shots early in the rally and it was frustrating because I couldn’t make any – she was playing really well.”

The Serbian acknowledged the last barrier standing between her and her first grand-slam victory will be tough to overcome, but feels the nature of her semi-final win will stand her in good stead.

“Maria’s had a great tournament and beaten Justine so it’s going to be very tough,” she said.

“But managing to fight through the match and win it like this, it’s something that’s definitely very positive.

“And on the other hand, I feel really fit. It’s just important to have no injuries so I just want to stay that way and take my chances on Saturday.”